Chapter 95

When Li Tianyin admitted that her new song was inspired by "Those Years We Chased Together," the audience below became excited.

"Is this a challenge to Liu Qin's 'Those Years'?"

"Given the excellence of the original, it's quite a feat for Li Tianyin to dare to challenge it."

"Li Tianyin's creative talent is also very high; I wonder what this song will be like."

"I'm getting more and more excited. I can't wait for the competition to start to hear Li Tianyin's new song."

"I don't think Li Tianyin stands a chance. Liu Qin's 'Those Years' is already excellent, and it's not easy to surpass it."

"On the contrary, I have high hopes for Li Tianyin. If she didn't have complete confidence, she wouldn't have chosen a song that's so easily compared to Liu Qin's."

The discussions in the audience were mixed. In fact, no matter how much Li Tianyin denied it, the public would still think that her motivation for creating the song was to challenge Liu Qin.

Since the beginning of the "Next Queen" competition, they have always been the two most easily compared contestants. Even if they had no such intentions, the media's hype would inevitably lead to a desire to outdo each other.

——

"Looks like you've met her again. It seems you two have quite a connection."

In the backstage, Luoyang, Liu Qin, and Yang Mi were watching the live broadcast. The screen showed Li Tianyin standing on the stage.

"I think you have more of a connection with her. Her novel was the inspiration for her creation," Liu Qin said, giving Luoyang a sidelong glance, clearly annoyed.

Luoyang smiled wryly: "If Li Tianyin knew about my relationship with you, she probably wouldn't have used 'Those Years We Chased Together' as a template. So, if it's a connection, it's a cursed one."

"But I know you must be secretly pleased," Liu Qin huffed.

"I also know you must be secretly pleased," Yang Mi chimed in, adding to the conversation.

Luoyang couldn't help but blush, subconsciously touching his nose and coughing awkwardly.

These two girls were too honest. Secretly being pleased is something to keep in your heart. You don't have to say it out loud, it's embarrassing.

——

On the stage.

Ding had a good sense of timing, and the moment was just right.

As he stepped off the stage, he said, "Next, we hand the stage over to Li Tianyin."

As soon as Ding finished speaking, the dazzling lights began to dance, and all the beams converged on Li Tianyin.

Draped in white gauze, with a gentle demeanor, the emerald green lights were like a flowing stream, and a melody with a faint sadness began to play.

The prelude was masterfully composed, evoking a sense of youthful melancholy, as if lamenting the passage of time. The audience was immediately immersed in the music.

Li Tianyin began to sing—

"String the memories of youth into a line, draw the cycle of time into a circle, can't find, can't see, who has hidden you in their heart..."

It was a song of low, gentle singing, sad yet serene, with a sense of regret. Listening carefully, one could feel the emotions it conveyed.

The chorus had a few rare high notes, but they were not overly prominent. The lyrics mainly told the story of two lovers who missed each other, unable to be together.

If Liu Qin's voice was a sweet and husky switch, Li Tianyin's voice was more full-bodied. Her skilled vocal techniques made her voice very captivating, with a high degree of recognizability.

The perfect blend of blues and pop styles showcased Li Tianyin's musical prowess. The occasional turns in the tail notes were handled seamlessly by Li Tianyin, without any flaws.

"Perfection in youth, regret in youth, the white wedding dress and scattered petals drift at the end of memory, and I, my love, is a slow, lingering whisper..."

The entire song lasted four minutes.

As Li Tianyin finished her song, the audience erupted in thunderous applause.

Liu Qin's "Those Years" was a masterpiece, and Li Tianyin's "Youth Memory" was no less impressive.

This was a high-quality original song, with both lyrics and composition surpassing Li Tianyin's previous "Peach Blossom."

"Great!" Judge Luo Bingqing gave a big thumbs up.

"Looks like our Judge Luo can't hold back," host Ding joked as he walked on stage.

The camera turned to Luo Bingqing, who still had a satisfied smile on her face: "This song is really great. When Li Tianyin first said she would create a song based on 'Those Years We Chased Together,' I was really worried... because everyone knows that Liu Qin's 'Those Years' is excellent, and it's really hard to match it."

"But... the result was very surprising. 'Youth Memory' is on par with 'Those Years,' both songs are classics!"

"If the author of 'Those Years We Chased Together' saw our 'Next Queen' program, they would be very proud. A novel has inspired two such classic songs."

Ding nodded: "More importantly, Li Tianyin is improving. Compared to 'Peach Blossom,' 'Youth Memory' is more refined in composition, befitting a super-popular contestant."

After Ding finished, Yi Bai also spoke.

"This song is indeed very good. Li Tianyin has great potential. Every time she seems to have reached her limit, she can always surprise us with her strength, which is very rare."

"Thank you, teacher," Li Tianyin bowed.

"Don't thank us yet, you'll have to thank us again later," Ma Haoran interjected, causing laughter in the audience. Whenever a contestant performed well, Ma Haoran's temper would become especially good.

Ma Haoran paused and said: "Your song and Liu Qin's 'Those Years' each have their own merits. The types of the songs are different, possibly due to your different interpretations of 'Those Years We Chased Together,' but in terms of quality, both songs are undoubtedly in the same league."

"Your previous 'Peach Blossom' had its strengths and weaknesses, but 'Youth Memory' has improved rapidly in all aspects. I'm very happy to have a contestant with such talent."

Ma Haoran's evaluation was also very high.

Ding smiled and said: "Finally, let's hear from Judge Zhang Zonghuan."

The camera turned to Zhang Zonghuan, who nodded and said: "I don't need to say much about the song, as the three judges before me have already covered what I wanted to say. I only have one piece of advice."

Zhang Zonghuan looked at Li Tianyin and said earnestly: "You are a singer suited for the entertainment industry, as everything you present is above average. But life is full of distractions and temptations. I hope you can maintain your true self and not lose your talent."

This was a heartfelt piece of advice.

Many in the audience were lost in thought.

Li Tianyin was slightly taken aback, then bowed and said: "Thank you, Teacher Zhang Zonghuan, and thank all four judges. I will work even harder in the future to live up to everyone's expectations."

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